France will supply Ukraine with the latest SAMP/T NG air defense system, a modernized version of the Franco-Italian complex designed to counter advanced air threats, including ballistic missiles.
The information was given by the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced during a conversation with journalists, as RBC-Ukraine reports.
According to the Ukrainian leader, the European system is currently the only regional alternative to the American Patriot system, which is widely used for missile defense. Zelensky explained that Ukraine will be the first country to receive the new model, which is still in the final development phase.
According to the president, the system will be used in real combat conditions to test its effectiveness against ballistic attacks.
“The SAMP/T is the only alternative in Europe today. We will see this year whether the new SAMP/T systems can intercept ballistic missiles. This year we will receive a system that we will test against ballistic targets. If it works, it will be of great help in the long term,” Zelensky said, according to RBC-Ukraine.
New generation of European air defense system
The SAMP/T OF (Next Generation) represents a significant evolution of the air defense system developed jointly by France and Italy.
The new version includes improvements to sensors, radar and command software, expanding the ability to detect and intercept both aircraft and high-speed missiles.
The system also uses modernized versions of the Astermissile, which is considered one of the most advanced European interceptor missiles for medium-range air defense.
Although the system is still in the final phase of development, the program has already reached the operational implementation phase. At the end of February 2026, the French Armed Forces Air Warfare Center (CEAM-AWC) took delivery of the first SAMP/T-NG system, marking an important step towards integration into the European Armed Forces.
Combat testing could determine the future of the system
If the SAMP/T NG’s performance against ballistic targets is confirmed in real use, the system could become a mainstay of European air defense and at the same time significantly strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend against missile attacks.
Experts believe that the use of the system in Ukraine could also serve as an operational test under wartime conditions and will provide valuable data for future versions.
Source and images: RBC-Ukraine | MBDA. This content was created using AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
